“Palpitations in children” are common, from toddlers to teenagers. A child may describe it as “the heart pounding,” “beating fast,” or “beating irregularly,” which can worry parents.
Although in many cases palpitations are not dangerous, sometimes they may be a sign of a heart condition that should be evaluated by a specialist physician.
Causes of palpitations in children (common)
In general, palpitations in children are often caused by temporary factors, such as:
- Stress or anxiety
- Insufficient rest
- High fever
- Drinking caffeinated beverages, such as milk tea or soft drinks
- Strenuous exercise
These symptoms usually go away on their own once the triggers subside and do not cause long-term harm.
Condition to watch for: Arrhythmia in children
In some cases, palpitations may be a sign of arrhythmia, which requires appropriate evaluation and care.
5 danger signs: take your child to see a doctor immediately
If your child has palpitations along with the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:
- Palpitations during exercise
For example, running or playing sports and then feeling dizzy or weak - Severe associated symptoms
For example, chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or fainting - Symptoms lasting a long time or not stopping on their own
Even after resting, symptoms do not improve - Abnormal symptoms in young children
For example, getting tired easily while breastfeeding or growing more slowly than normal - Family history
For example, a family member who died suddenly at a young age (before 50) or has heart disease
Diagnosis of palpitations in children
The doctor will begin by taking a medical history and performing a physical examination, and may recommend additional tests such as:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- 24-hour electrocardiogram recording (Holter Monitoring)
- Echocardiogram
- Exercise stress test
Advantages: All tests are painless, do not use radiation, and take little time.
Treatment and care
Many arrhythmias in children can be completely cured. Treatment depends on the cause, such as:
- Medication
- Cardiac ablation
Early detection helps make treatment more effective and enables children to live a normal life.
Summary: What should parents watch for?
Palpitations in children may be minor, but they should not be overlooked
If there are warning signs, take your child for an evaluation for peace of mind.
Early diagnosis = reduced risk + increased chance of complete cure
If your child has palpitations, gets tired easily, has chest pain, or faints during exercise, they should be evaluated by a pediatric cardiologist to identify the cause and plan appropriate treatment from an early stage.
